On most Saturdays this summer, a group of Guild supporters could be found on the sidelines of a soccer field. Direct support staff warmed up on the field in their yellow Guild Futbol Club jerseys as individuals from youth and adult residences and staff from across programs gathered to cheer them. 

What the fastest fire evacuation I've ever witnessed taught me about investing in accessibility.

Last week, I witnessed something remarkable. A group of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many with significant mobility challenges, completed a fire evacuation in 40 seconds. It was the fastest evacuation ever recorded for this group.

In recent years, there has been an increase in media representation of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) pursuing romantic and intimate relationships, such as on the reality TV show Love on the Spectrum. These stories highlight something many families and professionals already know: people with IDD want and deserve opportunities to build meaningful connections, just like anyone else.

Across the human services industry, direct support is disproportionately provided by women. According to a 2018 report by the Providers' Council, women make up 80% of the human services work force in Massachusetts. Some of the most consequential leadership at The Guild happens in the daily work of largely female staff who prepare meals, support communication, manage routines, respond to crises, and help others move through each day with dignity.

Teaching Assistant Nerline Desjardins has been working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and significant behavioral challenges at The Guild for more than two decades. She worked as a residential assistant for 10 years before transitioning to a teaching assistant 11 years ago.

September 7-13 marked Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week 2025. DSPs at The Guild provide compassionate, innovative care to those they serve, and this week each year offers a chance to recognize these outstanding employees for their drive and dedication to what they do. Their dedication is the heart and soul of our mission to educate, empower, and encourage individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Eric* is an adult resident at The Guild who enjoys going out into the community independently. While he is able to do this up to three times a week now, it took careful planning and consideration between him and house staff to get there. Eric was frustrated when he could not go out on his own and began destroying property at the house. The Guild staff collaborated with him and DDS workers to create a plan for Eric to set specific goals and work towards earning independent trips. With plans, routines, and rules in place, Eric knows what actions he can take to get the results he wants.

Every day, Guild School staff create engaging learning opportunities for students, tailored to their unique interests and needs. With the support of these dedicated team members, students go out into the community for recreation and hands-on learning, participate in adaptive sports, learn critical life skills to build independence, and more.

In an industry with high levels of burnout and turnover, The Guild’s adult program has built up a culture of long-term service. 52% of current staff have been with The Guild for more than two years and 12 staff were recognized in 2024 for 10 years of service in the adult program.

The Guild manages 15 adult homes, each with a different dynamic and backstory, underscoring the individuality and diversity of our residents. Of the 74 residents living in these homes, 46 were students at The Guild School before turning 22 and moving into adult services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Guild residents were separated from families, caregivers, and the community for 77 days. During this confusing and scary time, virtual connections became not just common place but vitally important for connection. Many of the individuals living in Guild residences experience congenital or acquired communication disorders associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism, and multiple disabilities.